Austria

Salzburg is one of the most renowned cities in Austria and Europe, and has possibly the best-preserved old town centre full of beautiful baroque architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This charming Austrian town is most famous for being the birthplace of the classical composer Mozart, but has so much more in terms of historical sights and fun attractions. The list below details the top things to do in Salzburg and contains a wide variety, from Museums and Gardens to Churches and Mountains.

Lets explore the best things to do in Salzburg:

1. Salzburg Fortress

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Salzburg Fortress

Otherwise known as Hohensalzburg Castle, this imposing Fortress sits in a dominating position on top of the Festungsberg Hill and has been a major power hive for the rulers of Salzburg since the 1000’s.

Since its inception, the castle has undergone many transformations, additions and expansions including a Funicular Cable Car leading from the bottom of the Hill that allows easy access for tourists.

The striking white exterior of the building stands out, while there are many courtyards and walls to look down on the city of Salzburg from.

Inside, there are many rooms and wings to explore containing various artefacts and traditional decor; a large Aerophon (Organ) sits in the powder room, while the Golden Hall contains many marble pillars and the Chapel is decorated with Stuccos and Ornate busts.

The fortress is without a doubt the number one attraction in Salzburg and a wonderful piece of history.

2. Salzburg Old Town

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Salzburg Old Town

One of the largest UNESCO World Heritage sights by area, the Salzburg Old town or Altstadt encompasses many of the City’s main sights and is full of historical buildings, beautifully designed squares and quaint little side-streets leading off to forgotten corners.

The building style consists mainly of Medieval and Baroque architecture and the old town is just a great place to walk through.

The Old Town is a perfect starting place for your time in Salzburg and you could easily spend a day getting lost in the streets, admiring the sights, having a coffee or maybe doing some shopping.

Check out the recommended hotels in Salzburg, Austria

3. Mirabell Palace and Gardens

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Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Salzburg is not short on historical buildings and gardens, but the Mirabell Palace is outstanding and is one of the finest in Austria.

Listed as a cultural heritage monument, the Palace was built in 1606 and was used mainly as a pleasure palace.

As well as the striking Marble Hall which is a venue for Palace Concerts, the Palace also has a wondrous set of gardens that can be explored at your leisure.

The garden gives great views to Salzburg Cathedral and has a symmetrical design with emphasis on mythology including the Pegasus Fountain and lots of other fountains, hedges, and themed gardens.

If you enjoy maintained Gardens and being in the outdoors, the palace is a brilliant place to visit.

4. Mozart’s Residence

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Mozarts Wohnhaus

Wherever you go in Salzburg, the influence and fame of Mozart is apparent – Born in a small house originally, the family moved to what is now known as “Mozarts Wohnhaus” in Makartplatz.

The building was reconstructed as closely as possible to the original design after its destruction during World War II and is now open as a museum.

This fantastic museum contains biographies of the family members together with displays of their day to day life and how they would have lived.

For any Mozart fan this museum is a must.

Available activity: Mozart Concert with Dinner

5. Hellbrunn Castle/Palace

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Hellbrunn Castle

Located in the southern Morgz district of Salzburg, Hellbrunn Castle or Palace is surrounded by a beautiful park and also has the Salzburg Zoo close by.

Created in the 1600’s as a residential villa much like Mirabell Palace, Hellbrunn has a lively yellow rendering and its front façade is fully symmetrical.

The main attraction of Hellbrunn Palace however is the gardens and trick fountains.

The gardens are simply magical and contain many different Grottos, Fountains and Water Automats.

What people love most is the water features that try and trick you such as the seats with holes in that spurt water on the unsuspecting guest when you sit down – Its loads of fun and during the summer months a wonderful outdoor space to enjoy.

6. Salzburg Cathedral

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Salzburg Cathedral

A fine example of a Baroque Cathedral, the Salzburg Cathedral is located in an enclosed square next to the Salzburg Residenz and St.

Peter’s Abbey, creating a lovely historical area to visit.

This Cathedral has been demolished and rebuilt several times from its initial creation in 774 and now stands as a striking piece of architecture; the front facade has dual bell towers and outside sits the Marian Column in the middle of the “Domplatz”. Although a relatively simple design, it is still striking while its interior is magnificent.

The interior is fairly simplistic too, and has many columns, knaves, a beautiful organ and detailed frescos in the dome.

7. Neugebäude

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Neugebäude

The Neugebäude or New Residence is a beautiful building in its own right and has halls decorated with Stuccos from the 1600’s and also hosts the Salzburg Museum but the main draw is the musical Glockenspiel.

This wonderful arrangement of 35 bells was created in the 18th Century in Antwerp and shipped over to Salzburg where it took several years to tune and setup correctly (Or to the best of the clock makers ability who installed it!). These amazing musical pieces play at set intervals during the day and perform beautiful renditions of Classical numbers such as the Menuett by Mozart and Tochter Zion by Handel.

Not only can you sit and admire this classical display, but guided tours of the bells and mechanisms are available too.

8. Getreidegasse

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Getreidegasse

This famous and popular street runs for a stretch in the old town and is a standout destination for shopping.

The narrow street has many buildings packed together that stretch far back and have beautiful designs and quaint little windows.

Many passageways and courtyards spring from the main street and create romantic areas to explore, while small details like the wrought iron guild signs give Getreidegasse extra charm and character.

Shops include fine Jewellery, fashion, antiques, traditional costumes, and many boutiques.

There is also a mouth-watering selection of eateries and cafes to enjoy, and several historical buildings and points of interest.

9. Toy Museum

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Toy Museum

You may think that a Toy Museum is purely for children, well the Salzburg Toy Museum thinks otherwise.

Located close to  Mozartplatz and Mirabell Palace, this fantastical place will provide hours of fun and wonder for children and adults alike.

Split into two sections – The “museum” part contains various historical displays of old toys and games, while the “hands-on” part contains different interactive rides and activities such as a marble run, a mini race-circuit, and an imitation shop where children can learn how an old shop looked and worked.

With seasonal and special themed activities too, you can be guaranteed to always find something different and entertaining in this brilliant museum.

10. Mozartplatz Square

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Mozartplatz

Buried right in the centre of the Old Town, Mozartplatz is a peaceful square dominated by an ornate Bronze statue of the square’s namesake that was unveiled in the presence of his sons in the 1800’s.

Aside from the statue, there is also several museums and attractions directly on the square including the Salzburg Museum, the Traklhaus and The Salzburg Christmas Museum.

Furthermore, just off of the square, are two more adjoining squares that are worth exploring – The Residenplaz and the Domplaz.

11. Hangar 7

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Hangar 7

This fantastically designed building is not your typical hangar, but does contain many aeronautical artefacts.

Situated next to the main Salzburg Airport (Keeping in with the theme!), the “Hangar” contains several bars, a  cafe, a Michelin Star restaurant, and outdoor lounge, several motorbike and Formula 1 exhibits, and an amazing display of aeroplanes ranging from a Cobra Helicopter to an Alpha Jet Aircraft.

Hangar 7 is just a fun and exciting place to see, not only for the amazing architecture of the hydrofoil dome, but also the well-presented displays and swanky social areas.

Check out the recommended hotels in Salzburg, Austria

12. Mozarts Birthplace

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Mozarts Birthplace

As one of the most visited museums in the world, the birthplace of this legendary Classical Composer is a must see sight in Salzburg.

The city has various museums, monuments and places dedicated to Mozart, but his birthplace is definitely the defining one.

The sight is easily accessible as it is in the Old Town, and a full tour of the displays etc should take around an hour.

The museum contains everything Mozart, from details of his childhood life, to musical instruments he owned and composed his famous symphonies with.

It really is a treat to gain such a detailed insight into Salzburg’s most famous residence life.

13. St. Peter’s Abbey

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St. Peter’s Abbey, Salzburg

Not to be confused with Salzburg Cathedral, the Abbey dedicated to St. Peter was originally constructed over old Christian remains in 696 by Saint Rupert and has stood in some form ever since.

This Benedictine Monastery is the oldest in the German-speaking era and also holds the oldest Library in Austria.

The architecture has changed over the years to suit the various fashions of the eras, and now has a combination of Romanesque and Renaissance styles.

A very decorated and ornate religious building, the Abbey also has Catacombs that are open to the public, a lovely Cemetery, The Long gallery which includes many large paintings, and also an extensive Library with over 100,00 volumes (Unfortunately the Library is only accessible by very selective guided tours). If you are interested in historical buildings, St. Peter’s Abbey is an interesting place to visit whilst in the Old Town area of Salzburg.

14. The Eagles Nest

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The Eagles Nest, Salzburg

This Third Reich era building was constructed as a mountain getaway high up near the town of Berchtesgaden in Germany and although it is not in Salzburg itself, is easily accessible as a day trip from Austria.

Today the building stands as a restaurant and tourist site and attracts many visitors, not only for the architecture of the building and its historical significance, but mainly for the unbelievable views of the Bavarian Alps.

To reach the summit where the Eagles nest is situated, it takes around two hours on foot from the Obersalzberg area – You will then be rewarded with some stunning views of the mountainous countryside beneath you.

To enter the building/restaurant, you walk through a long 124m underground tunnel and descend into a lift that takes you a further 124m inside.

Although not a well published site, the Eagles Nest is still an interesting place to visit and great for hiking.

Available tour: Eagle’s Nest and Berchtesgaden Tour from Salzburg

15. Gaisberg Mountain

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View from Gaisberg Mountain

Lying in the eastern area of Salzburg, this mountain is the perfect place to try your hand at some adrenaline filled activities or a hike.

There is a bus link from outside Mirabell Palace so if you do not have a car, the mountain is still accessible.

If you love the outdoors and outdoor activities, Gaisberg will be your dream – There is over 20km of well-marked trails ranging in length and difficulty, and a host of outdoor activities including Paragliding and Mountain Biking.

To experience a different side to Salzburg’s historical centre, get out of the town and explore the expanses of the Gaisberg!

This small town is located in the Innsbruck district and is only 10 minutes’ drive from Innsbruck itself.

While being so close to Innsbruck, Hall in Tirol does have its own unique heritage, history, and style and is a fantastic place to visit in its own right.

The salt mining industry played a major part in the development of Hall in Tirol, and the town’s name is actually derived from the Celtic word for Salt.

During the Habsburgs reign, Hall was much investment and the many churches that still stand today were mainly constructed in these centuries.

With its close proximity to Innsbruck, the many historical buildings in the town center, and the surrounding natural attractions, Hall of Tirol proves to be a first-rate tourist destination.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Hall in Tirol:

1. Münze Hall

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Münze Hall

The Muenze tower and hall is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Hall of Tirol and the main tower dominates the skyline of the picturesque village.

The architecture of the tower is reminiscent of a medieval tower with various levels and crenulations and a green pointed roof with several small windows protruding out from it.

The tower contains a winding wooden staircase that passes through the various levels and when you reach the top you are given beautiful panoramic views of Hall if Tirol and the beautiful Alpen landscape that surrounds Innsbruck.

2. St. Nikolaus Church

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St. Nikolaus Church

This church is the second of Hall of Tirol’s dominating buildings after the Muenze Hall and holds an important position in the centre of the old town.

The exterior of this church has a large green roof and domed tower that can be seen from virtually anywhere in Hall and it is quite interesting to get different shots of the church as seen from different parts of the town.

The interior is simply divine and features an over the top baroque design with a ceiling that contains a huge amount of detailed frescoes depicting various religious scenes.

The ceiling and the opulent altar speak of the church’s importance and previous wealth.

3. St. Magdalen’s Chapel

St. Magdalen’s Chapel

Hall in Tirol has a host of fine churches and Magdalen’s Chapel is one such example.

This small chapel is located close to the Church of St. Nikolaus and dates back to as early as 1330. The building used to serve as the town’s cemetery chapel and has a Romanesque style.

There are several detailed frescos in the chapel that depict the Madonna, the adoration of the three kings and the last judgment.

The chapel is now dedicated to fallen soldiers who died in the great wars since 1923 and is a quiet place for peaceful reflection. Source: tripadvisor

4. Jesuitenkirche

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Jesuitenkirche

This building was founded in 1571 and was meant to cater to the spiritual needs of the Herz-Jesu convent.

This is one of two buildings that’s the date from Hall of Tirol’s renaissance court periods and has seen many renovations over the years.

The most recent renovation was in the late 1600’s where the church was given a Baroque makeover.

The inner courtyard of the church is a fine example of baroque architecture and is wonderful to behold.

The interior of the church is also quite stunning with a highly decorative altar that has a great deal of gold trim.

5. The Mint museum

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The Mint museum

The Mint museum is located inside the Muenze Hall and you can buy a combined ticket for both the tower and the museum for around 11 Euros.

Coins were produced here many years ago and it served as a major mint for the region.

Today the museum shows the minting process and what was involved to produce money.

There are several exhibitions and the actual machines that were used in the minting process too – An extremely interesting museum for any coin collector or history buff.

6. Naturpark Karwendel

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Naturpark Karwendel

This mountainous nature park contains 11 protected areas mainly consisting of wild rivers and lush forests.

The park spans over 700 square kilometres and has some of the finest nature and landscapes in Tirol.

Explore one of the many hiking trails, take a guided tour of the area with a well-trained ranger, or learn about the region in one of the visitor’s centers museums.

One of the finest features of the park is the Ahornboden area which contains one of the finest Sycamore forests in Europe – The trees are simply amazing and truly breath-taking to behold.

7. Stuibenfall Ötztal Valley

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Stuibenfall Ötztal Valley

This valley contains a stunning waterfall that has the highest vertical drop on the whole Tyrol region and who’s water flows at a staggering 2000 litres per minute.

This area of natural beauty is located to the west of Innsbruck and you can access the waterfall from one of the many invigorating hiking trails that snake through the countryside.

To get up close and personal with the waterfall, there is a suspension bridge that runs across it and connects two of the main hiking trails together.

8. Tirol Farmstead Museum

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Tirol Farmstead Museum

This museum brings farming history to life and is spread over 14 buildings that have been relocated and are original authentic farm buildings that have been renovated to their original beauty.

Each building is full of interesting artefacts that come from a bygone era and provide a wonderful insight into the farming life in earlier centuries.

Together with the 14 buildings, there is a museum that offers many educational exhibits on farming and is particularly fun for children.

9. Walk through the old town

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The old town centre of Hall

The old town centre of Hall of Tirol is extremely interesting and due to its small size, is easy to walk through in a morning or afternoon.

Starting at the Muenze hall (Also known as Burg Hasegg) and walk through the small but pretty salinenpark, pass through the small side streets and take in the wonderful architecture and head on to the Church of St. Nikolaus and into the Pfarrplatz.

After you have taken in the sights here and perhaps enjoyed a coffee at the Rathaus Café, make your way east across Rosengasse and finish at the wonderful Stiftsgarten park.

10. Enjoy a fine meal at the Bretze restaurant

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Bretze restaurant

The Bretze restaurant is a quality establishment that offers a stylish setting with a great atmosphere and wonderful cuisine all in the charming setting of Hall in Tirol.

Why not try the Kupferpfandl Beef with Chive Sauce, or the delicious Salzburg Dumplings with Mango sauce, or even wild Ragout.

The cosy atmosphere of the interior features beautiful wooden beams and wooden furnishings and walls full of interesting paintings that you can admire whilst eating the fine meals.

11. Have a drink in the Loewits Pipistrello Bar

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Loewits Pipistrello Bar

The character of this bar is what makes it truly special – The walls are rough, hundreds of years old and made out of stone which gives the bar an almost cavern-like quality.

Although the bar is only small, the amazing atmosphere and aforementioned character, together with a great list of drinks and wines make it one of the finest bars in Hall of Tirol.

12. Bergbau Museum

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Bergbau Museum

As salt mining was a huge part of the regional history, it stands to reason that there is a mining museum in Hall of Tirol.

The Bergbau museum is located not farm from St. Nikolaus Church in the old town centre.

The exhibitions centre on the history of mining in the region and give great information on the tools used and the conditions in the mines.

There is also a stunning replica of a disused mine from the 1960’s, and a mine shaft that doubles as a slide that gives you the feeling of being deep underground.

The Bergbau is a truly fun and educational museum for all age groups.

13. Glungezerbahn Ski Resort

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Glungezerbahn Ski Resort

This first class ski resort is located near the small village of Tulfes which is around 15 minutes driver to the south of Hall of Tirol across the river Inn.

To reach the resort there is a ski-lift in Tulfes that takes you up to the top of the Tulferberg.

The resort is home to the longest downhill run in the Tyrol region (over 15km!) and has several different routes for experienced skiers and beginners alike.

The surrounding countryside is also beautiful to behold and from the top you have fantastic views of the Inn valley and down to Hall in Tirol.

14. Stiftsgarten

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Stiftsgarten

This quiet garden is located next to the Jesuit Church in the old town centre just off of Milser Strabe and is a quiet place perfect for relaxation and conversation.

At one end of the garden lies an old summer house that once served as a ballroom, several small chapels and a stylish fountain.

Aside from the fantastic architecture to be found, there is also a host of trees and plants all in a delightful arrangement.

If you are looking for a quiet place to walk through and enjoy some traditional gardening features, the Stiftsgarten is the perfect place.

15. Have a Coffee at the Rathaus Cafe

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the Rathaus Cafe

This cafe is one of the most famous in Hall of Tirol owing to its great location next to St.

Nikolaus Church and its wonderful exterior design.

The building has an old style with a large tiled roof and many icons on the front facade, there is also a whole outdoors section where you can sit in the sun and people watch.

At the Rathaus Cafe you can enjoy a hearty cappuccino, or maybe some schnapps or beer, or even a white wine with its full compliment of coffee and alcohol.

Considering the rich and eventful history of Austria and its territory, it comes as no surprise that the country is scattered with impressive castles, fortresses, and palaces that live to this day to tell the story of the country’s remarkable past.

Ruled by the houses Habsburg and Habsburg-Lorraine, part of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Empire afterwards, the story of Austria’s imperial past cannot be told easily. Affected by the Thirty Years’ War and German Peasants’ War, some Austrian castles suffered more damages than others but luckily many were left impregnable due to their strategic location in the Alpine regions of the country.

From more delicate residential castles the daunting hilltop fortresses, let’s look at 15 most impressive castles in Austria:

1. Schloss Ort

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Schloss Ort

Schloss Ort is picturesquely located on Traunsee lake, surrounded by the most awe-inspiring scenery and majestic peaks of Salzkammergut mountains. Foundations of the castle date back to the late 11th century, however, continuous improvement works were made up until the mid-13th century.

The castle, which is its own island, is connected to the mainland by a 123-meter long footbridge. Schloss Ort is one of the oldest buildings in the region. Over the centuries the ownership has changed several times.

The castle was made famous thanks to Austrian TV series “Schlosshotel Orth”.

2. Riegersburg Castle

Source: Carinthian

Riegersburg Castle

The medieval Riegersburg Castle is a grand structure perched 482 meters above the sea level on top of a dramatic cliff-edged dormant volcano in the Austrian state of Styria. Basalt from the hill was used in the building of the castle and that used to be a common practice in the building of hilltop castles to utilize readily available materials.

The construction of the castle began prior to the mid-12th century even though a precise date is unknown. The castle was first mentioned in writing around 1138. It is known that the castle was an impregnable fortress – something that’s not too hard to imagine considering its impressive location.

Nowadays the castle is more picturesque than intimidating. Surrounded by serene vineyards, it graciously overlooks the landscape as visitors are able to visit the castle and the museum within.

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3. Burg Kreuzenstein

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Burg Kreuzenstein

Burg Kreuzenstein is one of the most picturesque castles in Austria. Located in Lower Austria on a beautiful wooded hill, Burg Kreuzenstein rises 265 meters above the sea level and the current castle was rebuilt on the remains of a previous medieval castle.

Johann Nepomuk Graf Wilczek, polar explorer, philanthropist, and a chamberlain at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph I, was determined to rebuild the castle around 1874. Originally he had only planned to renovate the Chapel of Kreuzenstein as a family tomb, but quickly it evolved into the restoration of the whole castle.

The restoration process together with prominent architects specializing in the rebuilding of historic structures took approximately three decades. The current castle not only features parts of the original medieval structure but also parts of other medieval structures from across Europe that were purchased for the restoration process. Thus the structure includes both original medieval parts as well as neo architecture.

4. Burg Hochosterwitz

Source: Ralf Siemieniec

Burg Hochosterwitz

The impressive rock castle that is Burg Hochosterwitz, located in the south of the country, is not only a significant example of medieval defensive architecture in Austria, but also one of the country’s major tourist attractions.

As the castle sits atop a winding road on a Dolomite rock, it is protected by an impressive number of 14 fortified gates. The design of the castle has been left unchanged since the 16th century.

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5. Hohensalzburg Fortress

Source: Tatiana Popova

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Majestically overlooking the picturesque city of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the city’s main attractions and an undeniable gem. The history of the fortress spans over 900 years. Dating back to the 11th century, the medieval fortress is one of the largest fully preserved fortress complexes in the whole of Europe.

There was an unsuccessful attempt to besiege the fortress in the 16th century during the German Peasants’ War. In 1800, however, the fortress was surrendered to the French during the Napoleonic War of the Second Coalition.

Originally the fortress was built to protect the area and archbishops from potential attacks.

6. Franzensburg

Source: Andrej Jakubik

Franzensburg

Franzensburg, located in Lower Austria, is one of the most fairytale-like castles in the whole country and stands out with its rather unique design. Built in the first half of the 19th century, Franzensburg was actually built as a museum. The castle was designed based on medieval elements thus it has been praised for striving for historicism.

The picturesque castle park with the adjacent pond was designed to reflect the style of English landscaped gardens. The castle park covers 250 acres.

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7. Kufstein Fortress

Source: Boris Stroujko

Kufstein Fortress

Kufstein Fortress in the stupendous region of Tyrol is both impressive and daunting with its grand and impregnable appearance. The fortress towers above the adjoining landscape 507 meters above the sea level.

While the exact date of the building of the fortress is unknown, it was first mentioned in writing around 1205. From as far back as the 14th and 15th centuries the fortress was fought over by Tyrol and Bavaria.

8. Hohenwerfen Castle

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Hohenwerfen Castle

When you think you have seen quite a few impressive hilltop fortresses, remarkably preserved, Hohenwerfen Castle emerges from the distance and it’s almost hard to believe its striking appeal. Located at the very heart of Salzach Valley, a mere 40-minute drive from Salzburg, the over 900-year old fortress invites visitors from far and wide as one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the whole country.

The surrounding landscape truly is picture perfect. As River Salzach flows through the valley, the castle sits high above it – 623 meters above the sea level that is. Below the castle sits the Austrian market town of Werfen. Thick forests cover the alpine landscape and the Berchtesgaden Alps as well as Tennen Mountains enclose the scenery.

Both Hohenwerfen and Hohensalzburg share the same page in historic annals as both fortresses were built by the Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century, when political unrest defined the climate in the surrounding area thus highlighting the need for defensive fortresses to protect the archdiocese.

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9. Ambras Castle

Source: Javi Aguilar

Ambras Castle

White like the snowy peaks of the Alps, Ambras Castle in Innsbruck, the capital of Tyrol, is a beautiful Renaissance castle and palace dating back to 1563. Ambras Castle was built in the same location as an earlier castle that stood there since the 10th century. In the first three decades after the building of the castle, it served as the residence for Archduke Ferdinand II. Since he was a keen collector of art, during the following years the castle saw an immense influx of art pieces which were displayed within the castle museum thus making Ambras Castle one of the oldest museums in Europe.

One of the most impressive rooms in the castle is The Spanish Hall, which was built to accommodate balls and festive occasions. 27 full-figure portraits of Tirolean rulers graciously decorate the walls of The Spanish Hall and it’s hard not to be impressed by the intricately wood-carved coffered ceilings.

The castle complex also features a beautiful English landscape garden with pristine, manicured lawns and neatly-shaped bushes.

10. Burg Freundsberg

Source: Achim Kietzmann

Burg Freundsberg

Another rather unique Tirolean castle is the Burg Freundsberg – not only is it a beautiful accent in the surrounding Alpine landscape, but it also stands out among other Austrian castles with its architectonic design. The castle consists of a keep and an adjacent chapel. The keep was built in 1150 and the chapel 27 years later in 1177. The complex is perched on a hill 675 meters above the sea level.

The castle used to serve as the seat for Knights of Freundsberg. From the early 19th century the city of Schwaz has been in possession of the castle and nowadays it houses the museum of Schwaz.

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11. Heinfels Castle

Source: Lucarini Massimo

Heinfels Castle

Heinfels Castle in the Puster Valley in Tyrol was first mentioned in written records in mid-13th century. Its hilltop location defines the positioning and layout of the castle, and it seems to be effortlessly perched on the irregular surface. The castle features both round as well as rectangular towers, a 20-meter high keep, outer ward, and a curtain wall.

In 1526 the castle was besieged during the German Peasants’ War. In 1593 the castle underwent restoration and improvement works that gave the castle its present day appearance. However, in the early 17th century large parts of the castle were destroyed during a fire.

12. Liechtenstein Castle

Source: S.Leggio

Liechtenstein Castle

Not to be mistaken with the Lichtenstein Castle in Germany, Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria draws its name from House of Liechtenstein – the ruling house of the small country of Liechtenstein. The family owned the castle from in the 12th and 13th centuries and then again from the 19th century onwards.

The castle was destroyed by Ottomans in the mid-16th century and remained in a ruinous state until the 19th century when it was restored. With its picturesque appearance, the castle has been featured in several films, including the 1993 film The Three Musketeers.

While the castle remains in private possession of the Liechtenstein family, it also features a museum and an annual theater festival.

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13. Tratzberg Castle

Source: by Paul

Tratzberg Castle

Tratzberg Castle in Tyrol is an excellent example of Alpine palatial architecture. The castle as it is in its present form was built in 1500 thus featuring late Gothic and early Renaissance elements. The castle remains in private ownership and on top of that is also one of the best-preserved castles in the whole country.

One of the most impressive parts of the castle is the beautifully painted inner courtyard which reflects the fashion of the early Renaissance period. Tratzberg Castle features a vast array of original features.

14. Forchtenstein Castle

Source: Radoslav Kellner

Forchtenstein Castle

The history of Forchtenstein Castle dates back to the late middle ages. Built by the Lords of Mattersdorf, the castle sits approximately 500 meters above the sea level and overlooks the municipality of Forchtenstein. The 50-meter high keep was the first part of the castle to be built.

Unlike many other castles and fortresses in the region, Forchtenstein Castle was the only one that didn’t suffer during the Ottoman Wars. Even though originally the castle was a fortified residence, it was later turned into a treasury safeguarding valuables and precious possessions.

15. Burg Clam

Source: Boerescu

Burg Clam

Burg Clam in Upper Austria dates back to 1149 and in its early years it served as a fortress with two 30-meter high towers which survive to modern day. During the Thirty Years’ War there were several attempts to take the castle, however, the defenses were good enough to save it from being besieged. Nevertheless, by the mid-17th century the castle had lost its former glory as it had suffered damages.

The castle underwent renovations in the 18th century, when additional structures including a church and wings housing the administration were built. The ownership of the castle has remained unchanged for over half a century.

The castle is partially open to public and visitors can see the arched three-storey courtyard, the armory, chapel, as well as parts of the living quarters.

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15 Best Castles in Austria .